North Korea satellite launch: international reaction

The international community has roundly condemned North Korea for launching a
satellite into orbit. Here is a round-up:

A man watches a TV screen broadcasting news on North Korea's rocket launch, at a railway station in Seoul Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images

By Julian Ryall, and our Foreign Staff

9:57AM GMT 12 Dec 2012

USA

North Korea’s launch today - using ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions - is a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.

This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behaviour. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners

North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in such provocative acts. Devoting scarce resources to the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons has not brought it security and acceptance by the international community - and never will.

It is extremely regrettable that North Korea went through with the launch despite our calls to exercise restraint.

We cannot tolerate this. We protest strongly to North Korea.

South Korea

This launch is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions .... and a threat to peace to the Korean Peninsula and around the world.

Our government strongly condemns North Korea pushing ahead with this provocation in disregard of repeated warnings and demands from the international community that the launch be called off.

North Korea will take grave responsibility for this.

Britain (William Hague)

This provocative act will increase tensions in the region.

I strongly condemn the DPRK's satellite launch today. I deplore the fact that the DPRK has chosen to prioritise this launch over improving the livelihood of its people.

It is essential that the DPRK refrain from further provocative action.

UN (Ban Ki-moon)

The Secretary-General deplores the rocket launch announced by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

It is a clear violation of Security Council resolution 1874, in which the Council demanded that the DPRK not conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology.

Russia

[The launch] is a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874, which bans North Korea to launch ballistic missiles. The UN member-state should not ignore the resolution of its key body, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

India

India expresses its concern at the launch of a rocket by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874. This unwarranted action by the government of DPRK has adversely impacted peace and stability Korean Peninsula.

China

We express regret at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's launch in spite of the extensive concerns of the international community.

Taiwan

Japan, South Korea and the United States were prepared and adopted necessary response measures, which (Taiwan) fully supports.

Philippines

The Philippines joins other governments in urging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to undertake steps towards confidence-building and engagement with the international community in order to ensure peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the entire Asia Pacific region.

Australia

This was another disappointing example of North Korea choosing a path of militarism and isolation. Australia urges the Security Council to meet urgently and respond firmly.